Qualcomm Announces First Snapdragon-Powered Smartbook

As we reported earlier this week, Qualcomm, a leading vendor of smartphone processors has officially announced the world's first Snapdragon-based smartbook system. Said to debut at the upcoming Computer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the new ultraportable computer system has been designed in partnership with Lenovo, a leading vendor of personal PCs. In addition to the product announcement, the chip maker also stated that this first smartbook would be sold via network carrier AT&T, with a subsidized price via a 3G contract.

According to available details, the upcoming Lenovo smartbook will be based on the chip maker's Snapdragon platform, featuring an ARM-based central processing unit with an integrated wireless and 720p HD Video-capable graphics core. The chipset can accommodate the performance requirements of both the smartphone and smartbook segments, as it can deliver always-connected capabilities and longer battery life, features that only blur the line between high-end phones and ultraportable computer systems.

Unfortunately, for the time being, the details on the upcoming device are rather scarce, but the Lenovo smartbook is expected to become available via AT&T, although the PC manufacturer might try to push the system as a standalone product, consequently becoming a pioneer in the market. According to reports on the Internet, the smartbook “looks much like a thin notebook,” while other reports claim that the device is even thinner than Palm's much-appreciated Pre smartphone.

The fellows over at the Tech Ticker Blog were able to grab a snapshot of the much-anticipated device, which will apparently run on a flavor of a Linux operating system. Unfortunately, we have no pricing details at this time, but the smartbook should be officially rolled out at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, held between the 7th and 10th of Janaury in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It's worth noting that Qualcomm will not be able to market this device as a smartbook in Germany and probably other countries.